24" Monitor for movies only... in the bath

[lbt]

First post

I just got permission to upgrade to a couple of 2007WPs (which I just got my shipping email for - thanks OCuk) on condition that I do this project too!

So now I need a 24" (roughly) monitor and it's for movies only.

Yes, it's going to be for watching TV in the bath. I was told to do it so don't moan at me.


Now, I'll grant you that a bathroom install isn't for everyone - but I don't really think that bit matters - hopefully these questions are interesting to anyone who wants an LCD for a MythTV or MediaCentre TV


It will be RCD protected and in a big toughened-glass-enclosed (and vented) alcove which is in another room essentially. So don't worry about electrics, overheating or humidity - I've got that covered

It's going to be connected to a HTPC, not a tuner/dvd player so VGA or DVI.

Viewing will be at ~2m and it is going to be wall mounted on a tilt mechanism so it will be pretty much head on (and I can guarantee there won't be too much movement from the sweet spot ) This makes me think that TN may be OK.

So, options:
* TN based : Dell E248WFP (gamut benefit) or Samsung SM245B
* PVA based : Dell 2407WFP-HC or Hyundai W240D-PVA (glossy ... mmmm)

I suppose I'm wondering if I'm letting myself in for a problem using a TN screen as a TV - ie do they provide an acceptable video image?
If consensus is that they're OK then "problem solved" (well, easier anyhow!)

If TN isn't the way to go then I guess the Dell 2407 WFP and WFP-HC is the next obvious choice (better viewing angles) but extra £££s too.

I guess the 2407 WFP is a no-risk answer but the additional colour of the -HC would probably be nice for TV/film.
However (!) it has potential ghosting issues : do these ever show up in video or are they more specific to games?

Finally the Hanns-G HG281DP may be in the running 'cos it's cheap - but only if it fits and it's good for TV. The alcove is 680mm wide.

So, thoughts would be much appreciated

 

[lbt]

Out of curioucity... how are you gonig to sit in the bath long enough to watch a film or something. If so you may shrivel up

Like I said, I'm under orders

The thing about networked PVRs (MythTV) is that you can watch 20mins of TV in the bath and then carry on watching it in the bedroom whilst you get dressed to go out; then finish it off before going to sleep...

The PC itself is an eBay special in the loft that will power up with the £10 amp (another eBay special) when you flick one of the light switches.

The bath installation side is just fun - I am seriously looking for some advice on a 24" LCD for use as a TV. I've been using some old Iiyama CRTs for years until one died last week so I have no experience of LCD technology. I've been told that TN really isn't the best for TV mainly because of the viewing angle limitation (which I don't think applies at 6' away) and it's worth the extra for PVA. However, given how little use it's really going to get I don't mind wasting a few hours installing it for her but I'm loathe to spend a fortune on it!!

 

[lbt]

You can get an LCD tile and put it on the wall at the side of the bath, that's if you are retiling bathroom. It has a heated glass front so it doesn't steam up. I know you didn't ask for it, but it may give you another option? Link below also has a 23" waterproof LCD

LCD Tile

Gorgeous but £2000+ for a 17" - I'll use my approach
(Actually this very lcd is what lead t'other half to go down this route... And I've also scoured the web for heated glass but I have a better solution now...)

So thanks for the pointer but I really just want to know what 24" monitor is best for TV.

Oh, Vertigo1. I did think of that. I actually bought one. It wasn't designed for a PC input and despite a native resolution of 1344x768 it only displayed 1024x768 on VGA. The HDMI input had terrible banding - overall it was crap and I sent it back. At least I know a monitor displays a PC vga signal properly and I can control the 1:1 pixel mapping myself.

 

[lbt]

I wouldn;'t get a TN screen. The viewing angles really are bad. Some say up close like where u are to your monitor now, on a 24" you can move your head to the side a bit and notice a change in colour. Especialy horzontaly. Not worth it.

Thanks 8igdave - for this application we'll be viewing from about 6' away. I suppose I want someone with a TN to say "yep, it's not the best at 18" - but at 6' you really can't tell."

Cheers though.